Overview

Trekking in India is mostly popular all over world for its diversified terrains, high altitude & abundant variety of options. Rupin Pass trek is one such high altitude trek which offers you with different scenery at every kms you cross and every turn you take.
The trek is stretched across two states, starts from Dhaula in Uttarakhand and ends up at Sangla in Himachal Pradesh crossing Uttarakhand near Kinnaur. It will let also let you visit two popular hill stations of both states as your journey will start from Dehradun and after Sangla it will finally end at Shimla.

Variety

This moderate to difficult trek is a sheer extravaganza for any adventure junkie as it is filled with a lot of surprises and thrills at each level. Each time you move forward to next destination, you will find yourself in a completely deviated atmosphere than you left to your behind. The complete route of the trail is very variant making you trek at the narrow, thrilling routes to wide comfortable one, the trek make it path through the dense forests of fir as well as through the wide, thick patches of snow and glaciers, treks along the small water stream at beginning and then along the frozen water falls while reaching end. The variety here is immense.

The Trek – Few Highlights

Kinnaur Temple: The multi floored temple is completely distinct from its surroundings; give you a glimpse of kinnauri culture.

Jhaka Village: known for its location at the extreme edge of the mountain cliff, the village will offers you a beautiful scenary hanging at the wall of the mountain.

Fir Forests: The trek route after Jhaka village go through dense forest, walking through the tall and retro pines trees will be a another thrilling experience for you.

Snow Bridges: Crossing over the snow bridge formed by Rupin river in the V shaped valley comes before reaching Saruvas Thatch is a delightful task in itself, leaving behind the greenery you will walk over the snow for the very first time on the trail.

Waterfall Views: View from the valley which comes before reaching Dhanderas is the most overwhelming with plenty of waterfalls running downwards making it appear as it showering parallel from the sky.

TTH team will help you make your whole experience of trekking in Himachal at Rupin Pass, an extreme one by making sure that no essential chore and revelation should be left out.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Dehradun to Dhaula

By taxi or private vehicle it will take 10 hrs to reach Dhaula via Mussorie passing Damta, Nowgan, Mori till Naitwar and then to Dhaula, or else you can take a bus going to Sankri village, de-board at Naitwar and then can take a shared vehicle to Dhaula, it will save your cost.

If you want TTH team can arrange your pick up from Dehradun Station at your convenience.

The ride till Dhaula can be a bit hot and humid depending on the weather conditions but the sights on the way are amazing.

If you have some spare time, you can spend some time at the very famous hill stations of Dehradun or Mussorie or at the villages which you will come across the journey. Among the villages here, Mori is one unique cultured village with beautiful sights of green and yellow patches along the tons valley.

On reaching the base camp, Dhaula, a delicious and substantial meal will be served by TTH team.

Day 2: Dhaula to Sewa

Your second day’s trek will be an easy walk on the waving trail till Sewagaon. You will be accompanied by many water streams on the trek. Exit from Dhaula village is via a cattle shelter, the trail sharply inclined upwards and in 20 minutes it eases out also giving you a complete different picture of the nature around you.

A diverge from your earlier landscapes you will reach Rupin river bed with hills on the both sides. Next the zigzag trail through the apricot and apple trees and another climb of about 30 minutes you will reach Sewa.

At Sewa, you will see a towered temple with lot of trophies and medals hanging onto its wall, the temple remains close most of the time as they have only one idol to share among 15 – 17 temples.

TTH team will arrange for your camping at the campsite which is at the verge of Rupin river outside Sewa. The whole look here will be like of a beach with sand beneath and smooth rocks asides you, still campsite will not be very pleasing due to the humid climate. Getting refreshed into the clear cold water of Rupin river will make you regain your energy.

Day 3: Sewa to Jhaka

Eat enough and stretch your body well for today’s trail to Jhaka via Gosangu. TTH team will prepare you for the day’s trek as it is mildly difficult and filled with lot of thrills. The trail is landslide prone and routes are so variant that a gentle wide stretch suddenly turns to a narrow trail.

Trek start by crossing a crop field and a sudden entrance to a forest, so thick that you will feel its dusk, even on a bright sunny day. After approx. 30 minutes of crossing the wooden bridge that separates Himachal from Uttarakhand, you will reach Gosangu.

After some walk from there again you will come across two bridges on the road heading to Kwar Cross the iron bridge and join the left trail which going forward merge with the hanging trail going to Jiksun Village.

At this point you need to carefully follow the instructions of TTH as the trail is very uncertain, narrow & almost hanging on the steep slope of the mountain. Moving forward on the trail with sudden changes in sceneries you will reach Jiksun. Relax yourself there for another snaky climb of 3.5 kms to Jhaka. The one hour trail is again through the mixed forests of Deodar and walnut and is considered among best of the trails of Rupin Pass.

Day 4: Jhaka to Saruwas Thatch

Jhaka is a beautiful village known as hanging village for its location at the edge of mountain and magnificent views it offers of the hills.

The best thing about today’s trek is that the whole trail to Saruwas Thatch is stocked with lots of rivulets flowing in and through the Rupin. Many a times you get a chance to cross through the water stream, which can at times be intricated, but it doesn’t matter as the TTH team will there be to aid you to cross it smoothly without any slip or fall.

The trail from Jhaka village starts by entering into fir forests having tall pine and maple trees, a descendant walk through the forests followed by a sudden curve and whole scenary will change from greenery to sprinkled white landscape. Among the snow patches there is a magnificent snow bridge which goes across Rupin. After crossing the bridge, An hour’s and half walk and you will enter another forest, Rhondoderon of many colours spread across the forest.

A bit further walk after passing the forest, you will reach Saruwas Thatch. A Place which perfectly contrast the view of U shaped valley emerging from sky with waterfall in front and lush greenery on the valley.

Day 5: Saruwas Thatch to Dhanderas Thatch

Today’s trek to Dhanderas Thatch is one of the best treks of Rupin Pass. Walk along the trail which goes along the Rupin Water fall, snow patches sticking on left walls of the valley will get bigger as you walk the trail. A climb in between the forest you will reach a trail at the utmost edge of the valley.

The sight here is extremely amazing with thousands of waterfall cascading to form Rupin below and green meadow spotted with yellow marigolds is spread across the miles. To perfect this nature’s scenery s are stick along the edges of meadow.

A descendant climb to the beautiful valley though criss cross path and you will reach another snow bridge.

Cross the bridge, a gentle climb and you will find yourself amidst the charming multicoloured wild flowers. Again a walk on the boulder of Rupin, you will now reach Rupin river bed. Get to the other side of river by crosssing the second snow bridge of the day which is biggest of all and you are now finally in Dhanderas Thatch.

Dhanderas Thatch is one among the biggest and most alluring meadows of Himalayas.TTH Team will indulge you all in some fun activities while camping in the nature’s utmost charming lap.

Day 6: Dhanderas Thatch to Upper Waterfall camp

Today altitude sickness is quite obvious as altitude gain to upper waterfall camp is immense of about 4000 mts. So today, TTH Team will let you acclimatize adequately in two stages, first will only at your camp and next at 1500 mts above at top of upper waterfall.

And also TTH team will make you learn some techniques of trekking in the snow such as Side Stepping, kicking and plunging the snow, way to slide on the snow harmlessly.

Reach the base of Dhanderas Thatch through a kilometre walk hoping through the plentiful of water streams, followed by a gentle walk through marigolds and you will arrive at snow patch of waterfall. We suggest you to walk on boulder across the hill side to avoid any slip from ice. After crossing the big boulder, now is the time when your ice axe will come in handy as your need to cut through the snow patches unless it has already been made by the previous trekkers.

This series of walking through the snow and climbing intermittently will continue till you arrive at big snow bridge. The sights from the snow bridge is totally tremendous of the waterfall flowing down from the sky and getting disappeared below the below the bridge.

Reach the other side of Rupin, a steep climb through the slopes and you finally reach four next camp alongside the upperwaterfall.

Day 7: Upper water fall to Rupin Pass to Ronti Gad

Today’s long and tiring trek starts by a steep climbs alongside long stretch of snow patch which will last for an hour. A turn in the trail and campsite of Rati Pheri is there to welcome you with total change in scenery and an astounding distant view of Rupin Valley.

Long walks on undulating paths on snow will be exhausting and moreover trails on snow are not defined clearly, there is a chance of yours to get out of way, the TTH team experts will make sure that you are on the right track.

After a walk of 1.5 kms walk from Rati Pheri you will reach Rupin Pass Gully, let yourself relax here as to reach the top of Rupin Pass there is another arduous climb of about 15-20 mins.

Rupin Pass is a low point of the hill from where Dhauladhar Range starts and sight of Sangla Kanda is visible here for the first time. A few minutes steep movement downwards, and you will reach a point where you have to slide down your way to the snow line going towards Rukti Gad. About an hour’s walk, a sharp descendant and you are at Ronti gad, a chilling campsite to admire the green meadows amidst the snow slopes.

The trek to Sangla will be very strenuous for you, as the descendants are so steep that it will pressurize your knees and foot, follow the instructions of TTH team to do the trek calmly without hurting your knees and legs.

At starting there is shepard’s trail heading downwards to Sangla Kanda, after 1.5 hours you will reach the valley of Ronti Gad. To your left is the view of Rukti Gad and to the right its Nalgani Pass covered with snow throughout. Now you have reached a plateau warmer where snow is out of your sight. The most amazing thing you will see here is peaks of Mt. Kinner Kailash right in front with the meadows of Sangla Kanda asides you on the edge.

Look below at the lake of Sanla Kanda far away surrounded by a small village which is your nest destination and is again through a steep descendant. TTH team here will serve you with refreshment to get you regain your energy.

Your last and final trek to Sangla is a wide trail through the small forest of Pines. After passing forest, another half an hour downward movement to Baspa Village, next is your last climb of 20 mins from Baspa village bridge to a motor able road of Sangla.

How to Reach

By Air :-
Jolly Grant Airport is the airport serving Dehradun, located about 25 km from the city. There is a daily flight from Delhi to Dehradun

By Road :-
By road, Dehradun is well connected with major destinations of the country. NH72 connects Dehradun to Nahan (95 km) to the north-west, and thereon to Panchkula, Chandi¬garh and Shimla. NH 72 terminates at Haridwar, which is at 54km from Dehradun. Dehradun is located at a distance of 235 km from Delhi. NH72A links Dehra Dun to NH58 at Roorkee (67 km) and thereon south to Meerut (170 km) and Delhi (235 km). There is regular bus service from Delhi for Dehradun from Delhis ISBT Kashmere Gate.

Exclusions :-
1. Any kind of personal expenses.
2. Food during the transit
3. Insurance.
4. Mules or porter to carry personal backpack.
5. Anything not specifically mentioned under the head

Personal Backpack- Normally TTH expect to carry your personal luggage on your own, if you don’t want to carry your backpack so you can give it to porter/Mules, but you have to informe us in advance and have to pay Rs. 450/- extra per day per bag. The backpack weight cannot more than 9 kg. (Suitcase/trolley will not allowed)

In case of emergency: Safety of our trekkers is of prime importance to us. Our Trek Leaders are well trained to tackle medical emergencies, especially arising due to altitude. In more intense situations, the trekker will be shifted on a stretcher to the nearest medical centre at the earliest. The expenses at the medical centre, if any, are to be borne by the participant. To book a Trek/ adventure program please use our online booking form or, alternatively, you can call us on the given for confirmation of tour you have to wire a deposit and initial deposit.

Paying the Trek/ Adventure activity fee:
The fee can be paid by online transfer/check deposit/ demand draft. Instruction for payment will be forwarded along with your confirmation email. When your transfer is done, please e-mail us a confirmation mail with your transfer details, so that we can follow up your reservation efficiently.

When to book:
It is wise to make your booking at least two months in advance. However, if you want a good deal on your domestic/international flight, we recommend organising your trip at least five months in advance. (Please contact us if you require a late booking).

In the event of cancellation of trek/adventure activity services due to any avoidable / unavoidable reasons we must be notified of the same in writing. Cancellation charges will be effective from the date we receive advice in writing, and cancellation charges would be as follows: -

Cancellations prior to 24 days from the start of the trek

Book any other trek till one year or get 95% refund
(Note: If the trek charges are more, the balance needs to be paid by the trekker)

Cancellation between 24 days and 14 days to the start of the trek
Choose to go for the same trek, with any other batch, till year or get 70% refund

Cancellation between 14 days and 10 days to the start of the trek
Choose to go on the same trek, in the same season, with any other batch or get 50% refund.

Cancellation less than 10 days to the start of the trek
Transfer your trek (same trek, same batch) to your friend. No cash refund.

Note:-
1)- Change of trek batch is dependent on the availability of seats in the batch.
2)- In case of transferring a trek to a friend, he/she should satisfy all the mandatory requirements put forward by TTH.
3)- TTH holds the right to change/cancel the policies, without prior notice.

Trek Essential

Fitness

Fitness regime for:

Calculate Your BMI

If your BMI is normal, you can plan your fitness regime as mentioned. If your BMI is not normal, consult your trusted physician before you plan your fitness regime.
If you're suffering from any chronic illnesses consult a medical practitioner.

Map

FAQ

Risk & Respond

High Altitude Treks: Risk and Response
A high altitude trek calls for an adventurous attitude, but embarking on an adventurous trip without calculating the risks is utter stupidity. That’s why we have listed a few risks and the response planned by TTH to minimise or address the risks in the best possible way.

Risk: Altitude
Before you start the trek, it is important to understand the implications of high altitude on your body. Be aware of symptoms of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) like mild headache, nausea and general discomfort.

Response: If you feel any of these symptoms, inform the trek leader on priority and follow his instructions. Every campsite has as stretcher, fully equipped first aid kit, oxygen cylinders to address the situation.

Risk: Weather Weather is unpredictable in the Himalayas. Though we are always observant about the changing weather, no one can guarantee a snowfall, rain or Sun. Do understand that your security is of utmost importance to us and we will not proceed any further from the campsite if the weather is not favourable.

Response: The decision of the Trek Leaders and Guides to proceed or wait for the weather to get better will be final.

Risk: Injuries
Often, while trekking over difficult terrains, you might have minor injuries like leg sprain, bruises etc. Serious injuries like fractures or major cuts are very rare.

Response: All our Trek Leaders are Certified Wilderness First Aid responders. They are trained to handle emergencies and can tackle minor injuries with a well-equipped first aid kit. In case of serious injuries, the patient is carried on a stretcher to the nearest road-head and is led to nearest medical centre.

Risk: Lack of communication devices
In the remote areas of the Himalayas, mobile networks do not reach. On a trek, one is cut off from the world of calls, SMSs or watsapps.

Response: We rely on walkie-talkies and runners to communicate between the campsites and the base camps.

Good amount of snow in May from Saruwas Thatch onwards (3 days of the trek has considerable snow). Decreases in June. Comfortable snow during the last half of June. September has little snow. In the first week of October, the first winter snow is likely to fall in the upper reaches. Usually melts in a few days.

Pick Up and Drop Point-

Our pick up point is Dehradun railway station at 6.00 in the morning and after the trek we drop at Shimla by Night drive from sangla.

How we runs the trek ?

Trek lead by mountaineering and wilderness first aid certified trek leader along with cooking staff and supporting staff.

Best Time to Trek-

Pre Monsoon Season:- May third week to June end and in post monsoon Season:- September 2nd week to Oct end

There are number of reasons to select a professional company for trekking in the Himalayas. I have done a few treks in the Himalayas with different companies and very well realized the importance of selecting a professional company...
Read More

Etiquettes in the Himalayas

The majestic Himalayas are a formidable barrier that protect the northern boundaries of our nation and prevent the cold dry winds of Central Asia from blowing across the plains of India. They perform innumerable functions and give people innumerable opportunities to trek and climb.
Read More

Facing Emergencies at high altitude treks

Trekking at high altitudes in the Himalayas is a rewarding and an unforgettable experience. However, it is important to keep your safety in mind, just like we do. Weather conditions, altitude gain, fitness and other factors can make or mar your experience.
Read More

Say No to Alcohol While Trekking

One of the best things to keep your body warm while trekking is brandy or rum.
The above phrase might look apt but a real fact is that its a myth. I am an experienced trekker and apart from trekking and mountaineering expedition I create awareness about what
Read More

5’4, 48kg, below BMI, very low tolerance for cold, can manage till 20C, very low tolerance for strangers, migraine prone, hard-core non-vegetarian.
That is what my profile reads like. Yet, I enrolled with Trek The Himalayas (henceforth, referred to as TTH) for an 8-day trek to Rupin Pass, perched at a measly 15250 ft, with a drop in temperature up to -5C.
Read More

It is my last day of Rupin Pass Trek. I am at Sangla and my knees and toes are exhausted from the long journey, which I have pursued for the last eight days and my eyes are longing for some sleep.
Read More

It was quite challenging being my first trek to the Himalayas. Everything from food, trek leader, local guide, etc were friendly, helpful and family like. If I was able to complete trek, it was only due to the wonderful TTH Staff.

Posted By: Ananda

Awesome Trek with TTH Team and good experience trekkers, guides, support team, and I enjoyed with snow fall, food provided at the trek , tent was good.

Posted By: Atharva

Great Experience overall. Had a great time. Great technical support & good motivation from trek leader. Got to learn many things from excellent knowledge about the mountains and a great experience

Posted By: Shekhar

I liked this trek very much, snow capped mountains, various mountain peaks go to see and overall everything was good about the trek.

Posted By: Rashmi

Special mention for the brilliant help and support of the supporting staff. Inspite of the weather not being in our favor, they made the trek possible. Trek became difficult due to bad weather conditions.

Posted By: Arpan

I had an awesome experience. This was my first trek and it could never have been better than this. I made new friends. Sometimes I had a tough time but overall excellent.

Posted By: Shachi

It was extremely difficult for someone like myself but the trek leader and supporting staff really made it easy for me. Thank you so much for all of they did.

Posted By: Ajay

We had a great time because of the trek leader and TTH staff. They went out of their way to make it comfortable for us. The small touches make so much difference. They kept the team together and made us feel confident. I highly appreciate their attitude and professionalism

Good amount of snow in May from Saruwas Thatch onwards (3 days of the trek has considerable snow). Decreases in June. Comfortable snow during the last half of June. September has little snow. In the first week of October, the first winter snow is likely to fall in the upper reaches. Usually melts in a few days.

Pick Up and Drop Point-

Our pick up point is Dehradun railway station at 6.00 in the morning and after the trek we drop at Shimla by Night drive from sangla.

How we runs the trek ?

Trek lead by mountaineering and wilderness first aid certified trek leader along with cooking staff and supporting staff.

Best Time to Trek-

Pre Monsoon Season:- May third week to June end and in post monsoon Season:- September 2nd week to Oct end

There are number of reasons to select a professional company for trekking in the Himalayas. I have done a few treks in the Himalayas with different companies and very well realized the importance of selecting a professional company...
Read More

Etiquettes in the Himalayas

The majestic Himalayas are a formidable barrier that protect the northern boundaries of our nation and prevent the cold dry winds of Central Asia from blowing across the plains of India. They perform innumerable functions and give people innumerable opportunities to trek and climb.
Read More

Facing Emergencies at high altitude treks

Trekking at high altitudes in the Himalayas is a rewarding and an unforgettable experience. However, it is important to keep your safety in mind, just like we do. Weather conditions, altitude gain, fitness and other factors can make or mar your experience.
Read More

Say No to Alcohol While Trekking

One of the best things to keep your body warm while trekking is brandy or rum.
The above phrase might look apt but a real fact is that its a myth. I am an experienced trekker and apart from trekking and mountaineering expedition I create awareness about what
Read More

5’4, 48kg, below BMI, very low tolerance for cold, can manage till 20C, very low tolerance for strangers, migraine prone, hard-core non-vegetarian.
That is what my profile reads like. Yet, I enrolled with Trek The Himalayas (henceforth, referred to as TTH) for an 8-day trek to Rupin Pass, perched at a measly 15250 ft, with a drop in temperature up to -5C.
Read More

It is my last day of Rupin Pass Trek. I am at Sangla and my knees and toes are exhausted from the long journey, which I have pursued for the last eight days and my eyes are longing for some sleep.
Read More

It was quite challenging being my first trek to the Himalayas. Everything from food, trek leader, local guide, etc were friendly, helpful and family like. If I was able to complete trek, it was only due to the wonderful TTH Staff.
Read More

Posted By: Ananda, on

Awesome Trek with TTH Team and good experience trekkers, guides, support team, and I enjoyed with snow fall, food provided at the trek , tent was good.
Read More

Posted By: Atharva, on

Great Experience overall. Had a great time. Great technical support & good motivation from trek leader. Got to learn many things from excellent knowledge about the mountains and a great experience
Read More

Posted By: Shekhar, on

I liked this trek very much, snow capped mountains, various mountain peaks go to see and overall everything was good about the trek.
Read More

Posted By: Rashmi, on

Special mention for the brilliant help and support of the supporting staff. Inspite of the weather not being in our favor, they made the trek possible. Trek became difficult due to bad weather conditions.
Read More

Posted By: Arpan, on

I had an awesome experience. This was my first trek and it could never have been better than this. I made new friends. Sometimes I had a tough time but overall excellent.
Read More

Posted By: Shachi, on

It was extremely difficult for someone like myself but the trek leader and supporting staff really made it easy for me. Thank you so much for all of they did.
Read More

Posted By: Ajay, on

We had a great time because of the trek leader and TTH staff. They went out of their way to make it comfortable for us. The small touches make so much difference. They kept the team together and made us feel confident. I highly appreciate their attitude and professionalism
Read More